Creosote buildup?

Guineabear

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I use a smoke tube on almost every cook. I've been cleaning up some Black tarry creosote on the lid and chimney of my 850. Wondering if it's just me or is this normal? Up to now I've used mostly Pitboss pellets. Didn't notice it before using the smoke tube. Been cleaning it with a torch and putty knife. Most cooks are done at 250F. Be interested to hear if others also have this issue.
 
I use a smoke tube on almost every cook. I've been cleaning up some Black tarry creosote on the lid and chimney of my 850. Wondering if it's just me or is this normal? Up to now I've used mostly Pitboss pellets. Didn't notice it before using the smoke tube. Been cleaning it with a torch and putty knife. Most cooks are done at 250F. Be interested to hear if others also have this issue.
So here is my thought. The smoke that a tube gives off is not the blue smoke that you get from a smoker. It is a white smoke which normally is considered dirty smoke. Allthough it adds additional flavor to a cook it's still not a clean smoke. I would think that a creosote build is normal, I get it in my smoker but it wipes off easily with a wet rag. I could be way off base but it makes sense in my head.
 
So here is my thought. The smoke that a tube gives off is not the blue smoke that you get from a smoker. It is a white smoke which normally is considered dirty smoke. Allthough it adds additional flavor to a cook it's still not a clean smoke. I would think that a creosote build is normal, I get it in my smoker but it wipes off easily with a wet rag. I could be way off base but it makes sense in my head.
I think you might have the answer. I didn't notice the creosote before using a smoke tube. I was surprised to find quite a lot of info online about the issue. Many burn it off and then use a wire brush. I can't imagine just wiping it off although that would be nice. It will take extra work to clean the chimney. Thanks for the reply. Haven't had a problem with the taste of my cooks being affected. Yesterday's pork loin came out great.
 
I found that heating the creosote with a torch until it bubbles and dries, it can be easily cleaned off with a wire brush almost like a dust. I was really surprised how much buildup was in the chimney stack. That also cleaned up nicely with extreme heat from the torch. guess I'll have to keep up with it an a more regular basis or stop using the smoke tube.
 
I use a torch as well plus I always clean the temperature sensor to stop temperature swings
Hopefully this helps you
 
I have build up on mine and I haven’t used a smoke tube yet.
Interesting. I didn't notice the buildup until after starting to use the smoke tube. Of course that doesn't mean it wasn't there. Wonder if it can be the brand of pellets? I've used primarily Pitboss until now. Plan to start using Bear Mountain. Maybe it's just something we have to live with. I always thought creosote came from burning soft wood like pine in a fireplace.
 
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Interesting. I didn't notice the buildup until after starting to use the smoke tube. Of course that doesn't mean it wasn't there. Wonder if it can be the brand of pellets? I've used primarily Pitboss until now. Plan to start using Bear Mountain. Maybe it's just something we have to live with. I always thought creosote came from burning soft wood like pine in a fireplace.
I think it’s just residue from the smoke adhering to the metal as it flows around. I get it on my shelves on the grill too. I have used pitboss, bear mountain , kingsford and cookin pellets so far. I had a offset smoker for years and never worried about it. Only time I did is if I would get moisture on the inside of the lid it would drip off I would wipe the lid more than the stack which I never cleaned yet I still have it just haven’t used it for a year now. Today I seen a couple light chunks that was sitting by the entrance of the stack I just wiped it off quick that’s prolly the only time I worry about it if it looks light and would fall off
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I think it’s just residue from the smoke adhering to the metal as it flows around. I get it on my shelves on the grill too. I have used pitboss, bear mountain , kingsford and cookin pellets so far. I had a offset smoker for years and never worried about it. Only time I did is if I would get moisture on the inside of the lid it would drip off I would wipe the lid more than the stack which I never cleaned yet I still have it just haven’t used it for a year now. Today I seen a couple light chunks that was sitting by the entrance of the stack I just wiped it off quick that’s prolly the only time I worry about it if it looks light and would fall off View attachment 2317
I think we are talking about something different. You refer to residue and I am familiar with that brownish, cleanable stuff. The creosote I mention is a shiny black, tarlike substance that can not be wiped off. I do get the brownish residue in my smoker and clean it off my temp probe after each cook. I even get this same residue in my chip burning smoker but no creosote there...Of course I don't use that unit near as much as my pellet grill.

I appreciate the replies and am learning all the time.
 

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